The _L. spica_, which is the only species besides _L. vera_ hardy in this country, was formerly considered only a variety of _L. vera_; it is distinguished by its lower habit, much whiter color, the leaves more congested at the base of the branches, the spikes denser and shorter, the floral leaves lanceolate or linear, and the presence of linear and subulate bractes.

The _inflorescence_ is 1 to 3 inches long, consisting of distant sessile fascicles of four to six spikelets; the _rachis_ of the spike is flexuous; the _rachis_ of the fascicles ends in three subulate empty glumes.

_Involucels_ usually with two, rarely three spikelets, loosely imbricate, rounded at the base; the inner bristles are erect, dorsally flat, subulate-lanceolate, puberulous and with thickened margins, about 1/8 inch long.